Staffordshire Police becomes Kickstart employer

Staffordshire Police is one of the latest employers to join the Government-funded ‘Kickstart’ jobs scheme which will help bring young people into employment.

Designed by the government as part of its economic response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the scheme allows employers to offer 6-month work placements to those aged 16-24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.

Justine Kenny, Director of People and Resources at Staffordshire Police, said: "This is a fantastic initiative and one that everyone at Staffordshire Police should be proud of supporting.

"Not only will we play our part in helping with the post pandemic economic recovery, this scheme will give us an opportunity to provide young people with valuable work experience and improve their chances of going on to find long-term, sustainable work."

Placements will be supported largely by the force’s enabling services, including HR, Communications, and Occupational Health departments as well as the Contact Centre. The roles are surplus to existing vacancies within the force.

Justine Kenny continued: "I have no doubt we will benefit from this scheme just as much as those that join us and we will welcome their energy, enthusiasm, skills and digital know-how within our everyday working practice."

Carol Hemming, District Partnership Manager at Department for Work and Pensions commented: "The Staffordshire Police Kickstart placements are a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience and skills which will support them in their future career path."

For more information about the Kickstart scheme visit, gov.uk or speak to a local job centre.